Last week the second Shoresearch survey took place on the beach at St Helens here on the island. Once again we were blessed with beautiful weather and many interesting species were identified!

Using a transect line and quadrats different areas of the shore were studied to discover what species of marine life are living there, ranging from seaweeds, anemones, molluscs, crabs and even a couple of fish!

St Helens is a very interesting site with large areas of rocks covered in different seaweeds, shallow pools and even a patch of Seagrass!

These surveys are run by the team at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and aim to help increase our overall knowledge and understanding of our local marine environment.

Monday, 19 May 2014

GONE FISHING………This morning my alarm went off extremely early as today I was off on an adventure to Ryde for a fishing trip. I travelled to Alum Bay in my magic lighthouse, where I was met in the car park by Francis, my fisherman friend.It was pitch black as it was before dawn, in the distance I could see some huge lights on full beam, as we got closer I realised that these very bright lights were on an aeroplane!! Francis explained how he would fly us over to Ryde where we would then jump onto his fishing boat, which was in the harbour and go and catch lots and lots of fish for dinner!It was a very smooth flight and we landed on Ryde Esplanade beach just as the sun was beginning to rise, there was a pinky coloured glow in the sky and the air was incredibly fresh. The tide was far out so there was plenty of space to park the plane on the soft sandy beach.Francis had named his boat 'Sharky', it was emerald green and there was a small covered area at the front, where two wooden benches ran along either side of the boat. Francis started up the motor which made a tremendous roar and off we zoomed across the crested waves over the Solent.Francis is a very experienced fisherman and knows all the best spots for catching fish, today we were out to get lots of Sea Bass. We attached tiny wiggly worms onto the hooks of the fishing lines and casted them into the deep blue sea. Whilst waiting for the fish to bite the bait and the fishing rod bells to ring we enjoyed a nice hot cup of tea from my thermos flask. It didn't take long until we had about 6 large buckets full of delicious juicy rainbow coloured Sea Bass. It was enormous fun and Francis gave me lots of helpful tips on successful fishing and special techniques he had learnt over the years.We began to start bringing the rods in and untangling the fishing lines on the boat deck when an octopus popped it's head out of the water and gave us both a bit of a shock!! He introduced himself, his name was Olly. He started to tell us all about the Spring Super Speedy swim race he was organising which was taking place today and due to start in the next 10 minutes. It was an annual event which started at the top of Ryde Pier head and finished at Puckpool, a long and enduring swim which required a lot of strength and stamina. The contestants this year included lobsters, crabs, eels, numerous varieties of fish and of course many octopuses! Olly explained the winner of the race received a seaweed crown, handmade by his wife. It sounded such fun, I asked if penguins were allowed to enter, he said 'Of course Mr Dippy and gave me a wrist band and directed me towards the starting point.It was a tough race and by the time I reached the finishing line at Puckpool I was absolutely exhausted. Luckily Francis had driven the boat down that end of the beach to meet me so I could have a rest on the deck before the prize ceremony took place. The winner for the 3rd year running was a very fit looking lobster who trained all year round for the event. Everyone gave him a huge cheer as he was presented with his magnificent crown!

Friday, 9 May 2014

Seaview Wildlife has a seasonal vacancy for an Animal Keeper/Presenter for the 2014 season. It will be advantageous for applicants to have had previous experience working as an Animal Keeper and have a qualification in this area. To also have knowledge and background training within this sector.

We require the successful applicant to have

* An outgoing personality and confidence to give educational and fun presentations to large audiences and school groups

* Self-motivation coupled with a strong work ethic together with high standards and attention to detail

* Ability to work effectively in a team but also to have the initiative to manage a section alone

* To be able to effectively organise and structure private wildlife encounters for Adults and Children which involves photographic and computer skills

* Applicants need to be physical fit and reliable

Accommodation and transport arrangements are not provided

The closing date for applications is May 16th 2014. Please apply in writing only with a covering letter and an up to date CV to The Head Keeper, Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Oakhill Road, Seaview, Isle Of Wight. PO34 5AP or by email: info@seaviewwildlife.com

Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Thursday, 1 May 2014

Each summer the team at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust runs a series of surveys called Shoresearch, which aim to record and study the marine life of our local shores. These surveys not only helps to increase our overall knowledge and understanding of our local marine environment but also helps to identify and monitor changes that may affect the marine life e.g. climate change, invasive species and local developments. The first survey of the season took place last night on Ryde Seafront, just to the left of the pier.

We had fantastic weather and lots of interested volunteers who identified many different species of marine life!

Four different species of Anemone were found, including this beautiful Snakelocks Anemone below: